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All Site ContentJulius CaesarAct 5Scene 4
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Marcus Cato
Historical Context
Act 5,
Scene 4
Lines 1-6

An explanation of the reference to Marcus Cato in Act 5, Scene 4 of myShakespeare's Julius Caesar. 

[Alarum. Enter fighting, Soldiers of both armies; then Brutus, Cato, Lucilius, and others.]

Brutus

Yet, countrymen, O, yet hold up your heads!
[Exit Brutus.]

Cato

What bastard doth not? Who will go with me?
I will proclaim my name about the field — 
I am the son of Marcus Cato, ho!
A foe to tyrants, and my country's friend.
I am the son of Marcus Cato, ho!

Marcus Cato, Brutus’ uncle and father-in-law, was famous for his support of the Roman Republic, Stoicism, stubborn adherence to his principals, and his choice to kill himself rather than be taken prisoner by Julius Caesar.